May 30, 1961
Gas cost $0.31 a gallon in the spring of 1961, and the Dow Jones stood at 731 — a young Navy test pilot named Alan Shepard had just become the first American in space, riding a Freedom 7 capsule on a 15-minute suborbital flight that May and returning to a hero's welcome in Washington. On the cultural front, "Blue Moon" by The Marcels was climbing the charts with its distinctive doo-wop sound, while "The Apartment" had just taken home the Oscar for Best Picture. In sports, the Boston Celtics claimed the NBA championship over the St. Louis Hawks, and on the golf course that April, South African Gary Player became the first non-American to win the Masters Tournament.
On the cover
Magazine Covers — May 30, 1961
NY Times Headlines — Week of May 30, 1961
U.S. Hopeful Dominicans Will Get Democratic Rule; U.S. Voices Hope For Democratic Regime For The Dominicans Rusk Off To Paris After Day'S Wait Secretary Says Americans Appear Safe -- Fulbright Asks Mission By O.A.S.
Kennedy And Khrushchev Stress Problem Of Laos In 4-Hour Talk; Discussion 'Frank And Courteous; Parley Is Lively Soviet Veto Propos A Topic In Vienna -More Talks Today Kennedy And Khrushchev Stress Problem Of Laos In 'Frank' Four-Hour Talk "Courteous' Tone Of Parley Noted President Greets Premier Warmly -- Berlin And Test Ban On Today'S Agenda
World Events — May 1961
Time Person of the Year — 1961
On the radio
Billboard Charts — May 30, 1961
Grammy Awards
On the bookshelf
On the television
Nielsen Top 10 — 1960–61 Season
Emmy Winners — 1961
At the movies
Box Office & Oscar Winners — May 30, 1961
On the field
Sports Champions — May 30, 1961
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